Presidency blasts Atiku over fuel subsidy pledge

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the former Vice President and presidential contender for the African Democratic Congress (ADC), has vowed to reinstate Nigeria's fuel subsidy if he secures the presidency in the 2027 election. Atiku made this commitment during a Facebook Live interview, where he responded to inquiries about the subsidy's discontinuation and its ramifications for Nigerians.

Initially, he did not oppose the policy, but has since become skeptical about how the funds saved from the subsidy removal were utilized. "I did not initially oppose the removal of the fuel subsidy. However, upon its removal, I ask: where did the money go? Has it been invested in healthcare, education, or security?" Atiku questioned.

If elected, Atiku pledged to reintroduce the subsidy. He also declared that anyone who embezzled Nigeria's subsidy funds must return the money. President Bola Tinubu announced the suspension of the petrol subsidy during his inauguration on May 29, 2023. The move resulted in a significant surge in fuel prices, subsequently causing an upsurge in transportation, food, and other everyday expenses.

Tinubu justified the decision by stating that the subsidy had become excessively burdensome for the nation to maintain.